Overdue hiker found in cabin near Point Salisbury

Posted: October 10, 2012 - 11:33am

JUNEAU EMPIRE STAFF REPORT

Authorities searched for an overdue hiker in Juneau Tuesday evening, who was found with a twisted ankle in a cabin near Point Salisbury.

Alaska State Troopers said in a dispatch that they were notified by police at 8:35 p.m. that Jamie Hurtt, 46, of Juneau, was overdue from hiking on the trail which leads from Thane Road to Point Salisbury. Point Salisbury is located near the mouth of Taku Inlet.

Hurtt had left for his hike at 10 a.m. that morning and had not returned by dark, the dispatch said.

Troopers coordinated the search, and SEADOGS volunteers searched the trail system. The U.S. Coast Guard assisted by patrolling the shore line of Gastineau Channel with a small boat and crew.

Hurtt was located in a cabin near the trail in the vicinity of Point Salisbury, where he had sought shelter at nightfall.

Lt. Ryan Erickson, a spokesman for Coast Guard Sector Juneau, said Hurtt had twisted his ankle. He was escorted by SEADOGS volunteers and they returned to the trail head at 3:20 a.m.